10/28/2025

How to Make Rational Decisions, According to a Psychologist and Philosopher

In economics, there exists a rational way to make decisions

In this article, Barry Schwartz and Richard Schuldenfrei share five key insights from their new book, Choose Wisely: Rationality, Ethics and the Art of Decision-Making.

Schwartz spent 45 years teaching psychology at Swarthmore College. Now he holds a visiting position at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. Schuldenfrei held a similarly long tenure at Swarthmore College, 42 years, as a philosophy professor.

What's the Big Idea?

There is no such thing as a calculator for life's decisions. Try as we might to quantify, count and calculate in search of the "right" choice, that is simply not how wise decision-making happens. Qualitative judgment and consideration of preferences and values are required when identifying the best option before us.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.